Practices are closed to the media during the season. But they are often open to reporters during August, so we roam the sidelines taking notes and acting important. That's Will Likely (4) and Stefon Diggs (1).

Practices are closed to the media during the season. But they are often open to reporters during August, so we roam the sidelines taking notes and acting important. That's Will Likely (4) and Stefon Diggs (1). (Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun)

This is Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown's left wrist. The band reads: "Hold the Rope." The 2013 team slogan appeared everywhere -- including in bright red letters on the cover of the team's training camp playbooks.

This is Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown's left wrist. The band reads: "Hold the Rope." The 2013 team slogan appeared everywhere -- including in bright red letters on the cover of the team's training camp playbooks. (Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun)

This is quarterback C.J. Brown and his training camp beard. After being injured much of the season, he seemed to come alive in the Virginia Tech game and appeared rejuvenated after that.

This is quarterback C.J. Brown and his training camp beard. After being injured much of the season, he seemed to come alive in the Virginia Tech game and appeared rejuvenated after that. (Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun)

This is one of the 200 hand-painted helmets that debuted at a Baltimore ceremony prior to the West Virginia game in September. "You all do all the cool stuff when I leave [Maryland]," said Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, who attended the event.

This is one of the 200 hand-painted helmets that debuted at a Baltimore ceremony prior to the West Virginia game in September. "You all do all the cool stuff when I leave [Maryland]," said Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, who attended the event. (Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun)